Rennie comments on report showing bill for flood schemes is spiralling

Responding to the embargoed report from Audit Scotland which warns that existing major flood schemes are taking longer to complete, with expected costs more than doubling to over £1 billion, and that climate change is increasing the severity and frequency of flooding in Scotland, with almost 400,000 properties potentially at risk by 2080, North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie said:

"My constituency knows all about the damage that flooding can do and the long-term disruption it can cause,

"This report suggests that the Scottish government cannot be trusted to get flood protection projects done on time or under budget.

"My party has called for the SNP Government to conduct a review of the current disaster relief scheme for local authorities.

"We also need to have a plan for natural management of water by working in partnership with landowners and farmers.

“With severe weather now becoming an increasing part of our lives, the Scottish Government need to have strategies that will protect communities and build resilience.

“Local authorities cannot be expected to bear the costs alone.”